Artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and extended reality (XR) technologies are rapidly transforming the fields of rehabilitation and caregiving. Rather than an era in which machines replace people, 'empathic technologies' that jointly enhance human recovery and quality of life are emerging as a new welfare paradigm.

Against this backdrop, the Korean Society of Rehabilitation Welfare Engineering (President Kwon Dae-gyu, Professor, Jeonbuk National University (JBNU)) recently announced on the 12th that it presented a blueprint for a next-generation rehabilitation welfare ecosystem integrating AI, robotics, and XR technologies at the 19th Annual Conference, titled 'The Future of Sustainable Rehabilitation Welfare Technologies: Physical AI, Care Robots, and XR Rehabilitation Integration.'

At the conference, Professor Jeong Bong-geun (USC, School of Gerontology, USA), who delivered the keynote address titled 'Innovating Longevity: Global AgeTech Movements and the Future for Korea,' outlined global AgeTech (age-friendly technology) trends and technological innovation challenges for Korea. Professor Jeong emphasized the balanced development of technology and welfare, stating, 'As societies age, human-centered technology design must proceed alongside the digital transformation of public welfare.'

Professor Park Chan-hee (Department of Physical Therapy, Jeonju University) also presented on 'Mixed and Extended Reality for Rehabilitation' and introduced cases of rehabilitation therapy content developed using mixed reality (MR) and extended reality (XR). He stated, 'XR technologies that help patients perform rehabilitation training independently in virtual spaces offer an alternative capable of overcoming traditional physical limitations.'

In addition, Professor Jeong Deok-young (Graduate School of East–West Medicine, Kyung Hee University) presented on 'The Current Status and Practical Implementation Strategies for Care Robots,' raising the need for field trials and the establishment of institutional foundations in elderly care environments.

Professor Jeong said, 'Care robots will not spread on the basis of technical completeness alone,' and added, 'Social acceptance and institutional trust must be built together for the industry ecosystem to grow.'

The conference featured various sessions, including 'Physical AI and Big Data Applications,' 'Age-Tech Innovative Technologies,' 'Smart Rehabilitation,' 'Practical Implementation of Mobile Care Robots,' and 'Case Presentations from Assistive Device Centers.' A collaborative ecosystem among industry, academia, research institutes, and medical institutions was actively discussed.

In particular, the care robot session highlighted the importance of field-centered technology development, as empirical results from actual medical and long-term care settings and commercialization strategies were shared.

President Kwon Dae-gyu said, 'This discussion has become a turning point in which Physical AI, XR, and care robots redefine rehabilitation and welfare,' adding, 'When technology develops in ways that support human dignity and independence, a truly inclusive welfare society will be realized.'